Skylark Opera Summer Festival 2015 presents "La Rondine"

Skylark Opera's Summer Festival 2015 features one of two first-ever Twin Cities productions: Giacomo Puccini's "La Rondine." The area premiere, directed by Ben Krywosz and musical direction by Steve Stucki will be presented in repertory from June 13-21 at the 310-seat E.M. Pearson Theatre at Concordia University, 312 N. Hamline Ave. in Saint Paul.

Is Vivica really dating the handsome hunk who plays her son in the movie?

Vivica A. Fox, Tyson Beckford and Robert Ri'chard co-star in "Chocolate City" which is basically a remake of "Magic Mike." Director Jean-Claude La Marre explains that he felt an African-American variation on the male stripper theme was in order, given the absence of black faces in the original.

Summer movie list: Top 10 movies on leadership

Dr. Artika Tyner

Movies related to the topic of leadership can serve as an indispensable learning tool. I have compiled my top 10 into this list. I use these movies in my classroom to offer practical examples of leadership in action. We watch short video clips and then engage in a class discussion about the related leadership themes.

"Firebird" shows author Misty Copeland is a force to be reckoned with

Book Review by Kam Williams

"With spare, poignant text, American Ballet Theatre soloist Misty Copeland writes of a young dancer whose confidence is fragile. Through hard work and dedication, Misty shows her how she can reach the same heights as Misty, even becoming the Firebird, Misty Copeland's signature role.

"Michelle Obama: A Life"

Book Review by Kam Williams

"Here is the first comprehensive account of the life and times of Michelle Obama, a woman of achievement and purpose—and the most unlikely First Lady in modern American history... The journey winds from the intricacies of her upbringing as the highly focused daughter of a gregarious water-plant worker afflicted with MS to the tribulations she faces at Princeton University and Harvard Law School during the racially charged 1980s.